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Subaru Impreza WRX

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  • svillekensvilleken Member Posts: 9
    Thanks to everyone on this group. I was able to get a local dealer to ordered me a WRX Wgn with 5spd, Armrest, Subwoofer, Spker Upgrade, Security Upgrade, Mirror/Compass, and Gauge Pack for $24,463 plus tax/title. I basically quoted the deal listed by another poster for a car from Fredricksburg Automall in Maryland + $500. I told the dealer that it was worth $500 for me to not have to travel to Maryland about 325 miles +/-to pick-up the car. Unforturnately I told my wife my plan and when the local dealer accepted my offer (after some countering and whining on their part) she was a little disappointed that they accepted because she was looking forward to a weekend getaway to the Va/Md shore. BTW the local dealer is Vic Bailey Subaru in Spartanburg, SC and my salesman was Paul Convertino....ken
  • svillekensvilleken Member Posts: 9
    On a side note when I was discussing my offer, the Salesman would "do the numbers" and share with the Sales Manager to determine if they could accept. Do Salespeople at dealers really have to "consult" with the Sales Manager? In my case they had to get Mr. Bailey's (Vic Bailey Subaru) permission to order the car at my price. My wife and I decided that Mr. Bailey may be a Buddha Statue in the corner or picture on the wall and telling people that they had to get Mr. Bailey's permission is meant to make the buyer feel like they got a great deal. Others thoughts?...ken
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Good question. That little game cracks me up. In my experience, it depended on the size and location of the dealership. When my wife was shopping for her OB, one dealership in a busy residential/commercial area did that. OTOH, we found 2 smaller dealerships in less crowded areas where we dealt directly with the Sales Managers.

    IMO, they don't really have to do that because:
    a. Regardless of what they sell the car for, the dealership will still get 2% holdback based on MSRP.
    b. The salesman will get the commission, not the manager. The lower the selling price, the lower the commission for the salesperson.
    Unless the salesperson is saying "please, don't make me sell the car that cheap".

    b. is pure speculation. :-) Any car salespeople out there?

    Dennis
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    From Edmunds Car Buying Advice:
    http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/43091/page008.html
    "When the salesperson is convinced you are not going to come up, he or she will take your offer to the manager. You may be left alone for a long time. Don't be afraid to get up and wander around. This will usually bring the salesperson back quickly they don't want to lose you.

    When the salesperson finally returns, he or she is apt to look like the manager just reamed them out. This is a play to make you feel sorry for them. The dealership wants the best deal possible. But they do want to make a deal. It's good for the salesperson who needs to qualify for bonuses and the dealership which makes money on quotas, incentives and holdbacks."
    Dennis
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image

    ...at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!
    http://www.edmunds.com/chat/subaruchat.html



    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • curcicurci Member Posts: 6
    I did all my shopping for my WRX over the telephone. Never even met anyone face-to-face until I picked up my car, (it was a factory order - took 6 weeks).

    I would only deal with the sales manager, two managers out of four dealerships offered to sell it at $500 over invoice. From start to finish the whole thing took 1 day and two conversations.

    It's my experience then that cutting out the salesman may be real helpful, as I suspect the managers are more interested in moving cars and "doing volume". The salesman on the other hand are constantly trying to figure their commission.
  • skeezeroneskeezerone Member Posts: 2
    Sure, I've heard all the hype about the WRX and how one MUST, just MUST, buy one with a standard transmission. I'm curious about the ignored automatic. Anyone know anything about the specs on the auto? Has anyone driven one? If we start with the assumption that it is possible to be a decent human being and still drive an automatic, what are your thoughts?
  • curcicurci Member Posts: 6
    If you go to the I-club site, and do a search under "WRX Non-technical" you will find a discussion, (I think in past 5 days or so), about people who have the auto and what their thoughts are on it. I think they were 90% positive.
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    No, seriously, from all I've heard the auto makes about as much difference in the WRX as it makes in any other high-performance car. One benefit of the autobox is that the AWD system has even greater flexibility to transfer power front/rear than does the manual version. If you anticipate needing the AWD system for poor-road conditions on a regular basis, this may be an important difference.

    DjB
  • mdimartimdimarti Member Posts: 12
    I also own a WRX wagon with auto. I prefer to drive a stick, as was my previous car, but living in chicago and sitting in traffic constantly pushed me over the edge. The tranny is fine, the car is still very quick. Also now my girlfriend can drive it (I don't know if that is a good thing, but it can be a pain if nobody you know can drive a stick). So I guess it is all personal opinion. If you are going to race the car (which I am not) then you should probably go for the stick. But if you just want an awesome car and do not like manual transmission, go with the auto. I think it is a $1,000 option (and may actually be easier to find one vs manual which you might have to order).
  • nygregnygreg Member Posts: 1,936
    from an article I read this morning in the local paper on the WRX turbo lag: "you won't even notice it....you'll be too busy looking at the BMWs in your rear view mirror when the car hits it's stride". Thought you would enjoy it.

    OB Owner
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi friends,

    Catherine Heins is looking for people to interview who have switched from American to Japanese cars in the past few years-- especially folks who wouldn't have given a Toyota or Honda the time of day in the 1970s.

    She's a business reporter at the Yomiuri Shimbun, which is the biggest daily paper in Japan with a circulation of 14 million. They are writing a feature story about Japanese automakers' continuing success in expanding production in the U.S. and snatching market share from the Big Three even on their former home turf of light trucks.

    If you fit this description and are willing to be interviewed, please call her directly at 212-582-5827 or e-mail her at catheins@yahoo.com. As always, you can contact me at jfallon@edmunds.com if you have any questions.

    Thanks,

    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Interesting "issue" being discussed here:


    http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/Forum28/HTML/003852.html


    Anyone else had this problem or could maybe contribute positively?

  • edwarda1edwarda1 Member Posts: 18
    A used WRX is available in my area.It is yellow,has the 17" wheels and spoiler. Dealer says after having it for 2 weeks customer did not like color. (Neither do I) 600 miles. Asking $28,900 which is almost list.Salesman said "perhaps" they could let it go for 27K.Still too much. Not for me. Waiting for Sept. for market to level off, which everyone should.
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Edward, where do you live, etc?

    That yellow color indicates a VERY limited production run of the WRX. Only the first 500 or so got that color, and it'll never be offered again.

    I find it very hard to fathom why the person would either order the car in that color w/o seeing it, or would order knowing what it looked like and then be displeased with the color.

    DjB
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    It's too pale. It would have looked much better, IMO, as a strong, French's mustard yellow instead of the pastel-like yellow that came out.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
  • unnethertrashunnethertrash Member Posts: 1
    I just got my own wrx sedan, which has fulfilled my wildest fantasies (I previously owned a '93 paseo with about 90hp).

    In previous posts people are saying (albeit through rumors) that both the STi and the evo VII are coming for the 2003 model year. Just wondering if the skyline might make an appearance on our shores. These three cars competing on american soil would be a beautiful sight and I think do a great deal to drive down german sports car prices. Also wondering about prices for the cars (not that I'll buy any, I'm quite happy with my wrx).
  • bigdantbigdant Member Posts: 9
    I was going to go out of state for a WRX sedan, but my work schedule started to make that look dicey. I also decided that a wagon would be more useful for my purposes, so I did a few things: I put an offer on Priceline for a Silver 5-speed wagon at $500 over invoice; this came back after a few days as "no takers". In my dealer calls I just asked: "Got any WRXs? (and if so...) Got a silver 5-speed wagon? (and if so...) Will you sell it to me for $500 over invoice?

    On about my 5th call I reached Marcus Smith at Walker Renton Subaru; he had allocation on a silver wagon and accepted my offer. It should arrive in Portland this coming week, then I should be able to pick it up in Renton the following week; since it was still on the RORO, we had time to change the options to my spec. For what it is worth, I got the sense that Mr. Smith would be inclined to do deals like this in future (the car is sold ahead, they get to keep holdback, etc.) assuming, of course, that he has possession/allocation of a model that you want to buy; he was a pleasure to deal with -- very straightforward. I have to leave town for a week+ for work, but when I get back I get a new WRX!

    (Side note: when I went by Carter, they had a blue 5-speed wagon with some pretty -- but not very expensive -- Motegi 8-spoke wheels and Goodyear Eagle HR rubber. I looked afterward on the Web and the total wheel/tire cost would be ~$1,000. I asked the Carter saleperson how much for the extra wheels; he said...$2,400! And that's with no credit for stock wheels/tires. Like the $1800 "Northwest Regional Market Adjustment" sticker I saw on a wagon at Auburn Subaru, I guess overpriced wheels are one more thing you can slap on then bargain down to make somebody feel like they're getting a deal.)

    Jim
  • jk111jk111 Member Posts: 125
    anybody bought a wrx around the north jersey area? I am looking to buy one, but have no idea where the good dealerships are.
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Mike,
    From what I've heard, North Jersey dealers are selling at or only slightly off MSRP. You'll probably get a better deal farther south.

    I would recommend giving Alex Leist at Flemington Subaru a call at (908) 782-2025.
    Tell him "bluesubie" sent you.

    Dennis
  • klkrauseklkrause Member Posts: 96
    When I first heard the color "Blaze Yellow" I pictured something more like the French's Mustard analogy a few posts ago. I was also a bit disappointed with the pale yellow.
  • edwarda1edwarda1 Member Posts: 18
    Bruticus,
    I am in Massachusetts. Dealer says a rich man bought it for his 18 year old son as a graduation gift and he did not like the color after 2 weeks.Who knows?
    Ed
  • pilot16pilot16 Member Posts: 10
    Gretings,
    I have driven both the automatic WRX and manuel (twice) and they are both good. I suggest either one depending on your needs. As for the lag, it is over rated. The WRX seems to be at 3000rpm while costing so getting the turbo to kick-in is not the problem I was led to believe. The WRX is a grea car!
  • pilot16pilot16 Member Posts: 10
    coasting - sorry
  • mdimartimdimarti Member Posts: 12
    He returned the WRX because of the color? Did he drive it?? I agree the color isn't the greatest, but give me a break. When I was a teenager and told my parents that I wanted a car they said "get a job and buy one, you will appreciate it more that way!!!" I only wish that I could have been that spoiled. But anyways I digress, I would push for close to invoice pricing, the dealer from whom I bought my WRX wagon had a yellow sedan in their showroom and offered $1,000 off MSRP without any haggling. Look at it this way, the car is practically broken in for you!!!
  • rass0007rass0007 Member Posts: 3
    I recently test drove a silver wrx sedan (5M) that had leather seats. They had an embroidered "WRX" across where the shoulder blades rest. They looked pretty sweet, but the listed mark up price for them was $2000.
    The listed price for the car (had most of the options on it)with the leather was ~$27k.
    I didn't think that this was an available option for the wrx?
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    through a 3rd party and not offered as a Subaru option. I would be very concerned about this outsourcing by the dealer as it may inhibit the functioning of the side airbags that are built into the sides of the seats. At the very least I would make sure that there is a guarantee in writing as to the assurance that the side airbags will function as intended.

    You will find many dealer initiated and outsourced options that are not official options through Subaru.

    Stephen
  • rass0007rass0007 Member Posts: 3
    I don't recall seeing the typical markings found for the bags on the sides of the seats... Do You think I could talk the dealer down a bit if the side air-bags don't work anymore? I hope so..The seats are also heated...This would help with the cold winters...

    Thanks for the info though...maybe I'll use it to talk the dealer down..
  • rass0007rass0007 Member Posts: 3
    I am considering buying a Maxima or a WRX.

    I have been really looking at the WRX a lot, and have been greatly considering buying one. But I am worried about the WRX's reliability and whether it will be worth much in ~five years. Thats where the Maxima comes in..supposedly it should resell better? I am not sure...

    Personally I think the 01 Maxima is kinda ugly around the rear and wasn't that interested in it besides its reliability. Does anyone want to take a shot at whether or not the WRX will still be a hot item in a couple of years? and whether the value of the car will be resonable to sell without too much loss after five or more years?

    Also does anyone think the demand will decrease for the WRX later this year, causing the selling price of the dealers to drop?
  • thecatthecat Member Posts: 535
    Rick,

    First things first. You need to figure out what you're looking for in a car. These 2 are very different animals.

    As regards reliability, essentially the same engine that is in the US WRX has been used for almost 10 years in Japan, Australia/N.Z. and in parts of Europe. It has an excellent track record. (no pun intended) I recently did some research (with the help of Graham Peters) into resale value. After 5 yrs, the WRX has held 67% of its orig. price in foreign markets. Will the US market be the same? Who knows .. but it bodes well that resale values have been that good elsewhere.

    Finally, will the WRX still be "hot" in a couple of years? This is speculation since any number of things could influence sales..most notably, the economy. The WRX puts Subaru in a new light as the manuf. of a performance car. Plus it's getting a lot of good press. Subaru, as a result, is getting the attention of a lot of people who would not previously have even considered them. So, my guess is that (all things being equal) we will see an evolution of the WRX and an increasing share of the "Performance" market.
    Or ... not. :)............... Your milage may vary.

    - hutch
  • go_car_gogo_car_go Member Posts: 2
    Also be aware the new Altima is coming out. I believe 240 HP and more interior room than the Maxima. So if you really want the Maxima I'm sure you could get a good price on it at that time. I test drove a Maxima and for me the WRX was a better choice. More of a fun factor. Subaru reliability is good and AWD. The only tuff part for me was having to order the WRX and wait. I ordered on April 23 and it came in on May 31st so not too bad.
  • tgo63tgo63 Member Posts: 16
    I live in South Texas, Rio Grande Valley, the pickup country. In the area we have only one subaru dealer, attached as an afterthought to a ford dealership. There is blue wrx 5 speed sitting on dealer lot since about month. I looked at the car, sit in it. Since I cannot quite afford the car right now I did not bother to drive it. My thinking is somebody will buy it one day, and less test miles the better. Last Sunday paper mensioned wrx ready for immediate delivery. All other subaru can be purchased $100 above invoice without any negotiations. That was the first thing the salesman told me. He also told me they can deal on wrx.
    I'm afraid of resale value down the road. I believe parts will be only available from the dealer, limited production, turbo, awd will require specialized mechanic. If I sell the car in five years what kind of resale value I can expect? I drive, on average about 20k miles.
    Right now we have 00 accord lx 5 speed and 98 escort 5 speed. I do like the look of wrx.
    Used to live In Montreal where subarus were very popular. Some of my friends use to own them. They had their share of problems, talking 5-8 years ago.
  • tgo63tgo63 Member Posts: 16
    Sorry, I did not checked it, but one of the posts above answered my question. In my opinion resale will also depend on area one lives in.
    Anybody knows how much will cost to replace the clutch or brakes on wrx?
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Wouldn't it would be unlawful for the dealer to disable the side airbags, or otherwise interfere with their performance?

    DjB
  • varigvarig Member Posts: 99
    Maybe it has been mentioned before, but why is a moonroof not an option on the WRX. Although not a "must have", I've become accustomed to the moonroof in my current car. IMHO, it helps minimize feelings of claustrophobia. Has anyone had a moonroof installed and does it compromise the safety of the car?
    Additionally, has anyone bought a WRX that had been considering an AWD Audi? I have yet to drive a WRX, but I have test driven an Audi A4 1.8T and really liked it. How is the WRX different (better or worse) than the A4.
    Thanks.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    A moonroof isn't currently offered on the WRX in the States. I've seen pics of a factory one though on a Japanese model. The moonroof opening is quite small due to the structural cross-member in the roof just behind the front seats. Some installers (actually, quite a few) cut this member out to install a std size moonroof. This definitely compromises the tightness of the WRX. For this reason, I wouldn't get an aftermarket one installed unless it was a smaller version that fits between this member and the windshield (similar to the Japanese version.)

    As far as a comparions to the Audi A4, it goes something like this:

    The WRX is designed more as a driver's car and correspondlingly is better at handling and speed. The turbo in the WRX kicks in at about 3k whereas the turbo in the A4 is kicking in below 2k so there is less lag but a quicker turbo drop off than the WRX. The Audi is finished off more like a luxury car than the WRX. The front seats in the WRX are much more supportive and grippy than the A4. One of the most important things to me in any car is reliability and this is where the WRX shines (being a Subaru, afterall and having the motor for many years in other markets) compared to some of the $$$ stories I've read regarding the Audi. Just my .02. Overall, you have to decide what is more important to you in the performance and reliability arena. You definitely must drive the WRX before making any decisions. Hope this helps.

    Stephen
    02'WRX wagon, 5spd
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    The A4 is at the end of its model cycle, so it will soon look dated. As for the WRX...what can I say? Weird looks never really go out of style!
  • pilot16pilot16 Member Posts: 10
    Isn't the A4 basically a Passat?
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Actually, it's other way around. When the A4 was released, the Passat was still styled in the "boxy engine compartment/bigger boxy cabin/boxy trunk" look. After a few years the Passat was moved to its current near-A4 looks.

    DjB
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Fellas! The manufacturer does not have some super-secret knowledge that allows THEM to cover seats with airbags, but not anyone else.

    ANY quality aftermarket upholstery shop can safely install leather over side airbags.
  • cayeracayera Member Posts: 3
    After three years of intermittent car shopping ( hate to part with the money ), the vehicle I have been searching for has finally materialized - the WRX. I know this even before the first test drive, which will happen this afternoon. My question concerns the above mentioned options.

    1. The 17" wheel option should enhance cornering, but what about ride quality. Is the ride quality noticeably more harsh than the standard 16" wheels. Any experiences?

    2. How does the short throw sifter feel compared to the standard throw. Is it more or less notch, more or less positive. How much more effort does it require to shift.

    Any comments will be appreciated.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    1. Yes, better handling. Yes, harsher ride. And... a $4K lighter wallet (wheels & tires). Also, probably faster tire wear too, depending on what tire you choose.

    2. More notch, and more positive, from what I've read from people who have made this change. I've never heard of anybody complaining about shift effort. Although, I suspect it will require a little more effort than the stock shift linkage.

    Bob
  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    As far as I know the A6 and Passat share more common basic components than the A4. The passat is markedly larger in all dimensions than an A4. It's essentially the same ungainly size as an A6.

    BTW, the new a4 may be coming out but the current style has a classic, muscular stance that will not fade as it's not too over-done and not so plain that without some nice 17's and a little lowering it won't look tight for many years into the new version's run.
  • shan888shan888 Member Posts: 4
    Does anyone run 225/45/17 instead 215/45/17.how is it?
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    The Passat rides on a stretched A4 platform. I agree that the current A4 is still sharp, but it will look much "softer" when the new one is introduced.

    RE: 17" Wheels---The lower the sidewall, the greater the risk of bending the rim on a bad road. I'd love to go with the 17's, but can't rationalize it (living in the Northeast). Hell, roads are so bad in NY, I've bent two 15" rims w/55-series tires on them!
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,926
    Sorry about being a little late on this.

    Not exactly "North Jersey", but not far. Tinton Falls - World Jeep and Subaru. Find Marty Garland (internet sales). Gave me a great deal at about $1700 under sticker w/ options (unfortunately, due to employment issues, I just had to cancel on him). Heck, if you want a blue 5-spd sedan with security, armrest, auto-dimming mirror, and speaker upgrade, you may even be able to pick up the one that was coming for me. last I heard, its due in on Wednesday :(

    Good luck.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • roninjoutenroninjouten Member Posts: 201
    If so, my bad. I know it's a much larger car than the A4.
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Yeah! Marty G is pretty cool. I'm doing my shopping there.

    What tranny did that one have? What price were you supposed to take deliver at? I'm gonna call him up tomorrow and see if he's willing to deal. Do you think it'd be a good idea to mention your name?

    DjB
  • acevwsacevws Member Posts: 1
    What is the legroom like on the WRX? I am 6'3" and have trouble fitting in some cars.
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